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A characteristic pattern of active avoidance behavior in SART-stressed rats
1Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kinki University, Higashi-Osaka, Japan.
Japanese Journal of Pharmacology
|March 1, 1989
Summary
Repeated cold stress in rats affects shuttle-avoidance learning. Stress before training improved avoidance, while stress after learning increased response variability, suggesting emotionality impacts behavior.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Psychology
- Stress Research
Background:
- Stress exposure can significantly impact cognitive functions, including learning and memory.
- Previous studies on passive avoidance response have shown different effects of stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of repeated cold stress (SART stress) on shuttle-avoidance response in rats.
- To differentiate the impact of stress applied before versus after learning.
Main Methods:
- Rats were subjected to SART stress either before learning or after learning the shuttle-avoidance task.
- Avoidance rates and intertrial responses were measured to assess learning and memory performance.
Main Results:
- Rats stressed before training exhibited a high avoidance rate with no change in intertrial response.
- Rats stressed after learning showed no change in avoidance rate but an increase in intertrial response during retention tests.
Conclusions:
- The timing of SART stress influences shuttle-avoidance behavior differently.
- Observed behavioral changes may stem from heightened emotionality or hyperreactivity rather than direct learning or memory impairment.